Photoelectrophoretic image transfer apparatus

ABSTRACT

A web-handling system is used for feeding a web from a spool to an output roller. The web is dispensed from the spool by a control mechanism responsive to slack in the web. The slack in the web is taken up by a pinch feed mechanism that includes a flat plate traveling past the output roller. The web is used to receive an image formed on the flat plate from a photoelectrophoretic ink exposed to electromagnetic radiation and subjected to electric fields.

I United States Patent [151 3,645 61 6 9 Egnaczak 1 Feb. 29, 1972 [54] PHOTOELECTROPHORETIC IMAGE 3,071,332 1/1963 Dain et a1. ..226/ll TRANSFER APPARATUS 3,213,726 l0/l965 Logan et al. .226/44 X 3,427,242 2/ 1969 Mihajlov ..9l/l X [72] Inventor: Raymond K. Egnaclak, Williamson, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Xerox Corporation, Rochester, NY. 'f' Mathews Assistant Examiner-Robert P. Gremer Flledi 1969 Attorney-James .l. Ralabate, David C. Petre and Michael H. 211 Appl. No.2 876,978 shanaha" [57] ABSTRACT 1i! '3" A web-handling system is used for feeding a web from a spool 58] i l 242/55 to an output roller. The web is dispensed from the spool by a 75 3 A 18/637 control mechanism responsive to slack in the web. The slack in the web is taken up by a pinch feed mechanism that includes a flat plate traveling past the output roller. The web is [56] References cued used to receive an image formed on the flat plate from a UNTED STATES PATENTS photoelectrophoretic ink exposed to electromagnetic radiation and subjected to electric fields. 2,544,467 3/1951 Michel ....226/44 X 2,825,513 3/1958 Yerrid et a1 ..242/57 I 7 Cl i 34 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 29, 1972 29 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTCR.

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Patented Feb. 29, 1972 29 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,645,616

29 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Fb. 29, 1972 29 Sheets-Sheet 1O Patented Feb. 29, 1972 29 Sheets-Sheet 11 Patented Feb. 29, 1972 29 Sheets-Sheet 12 Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,645,616

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1. Imaging apparatus comprising: first electrode means, said first electrode means comprising a trAnsparent conductive plate, second electrode means and said second electrode means comprising a cylinder, means to support said first and second electrode means in closely spaced relationship to define an imaging zone therebetween, a potential source coupled to at least one of said electrodes for creating an electrical field between said electrodes in the imaging zone, means for exposing photoelectrophoretic ink located in the imaging zone to a pattern of electromagnetic radiation projected through said first electrode to form an image on said first electrode by the effects of the electromagnetic radiation and the electrical field, a transfer station positioned adjacent the path traveled by said first electrode including pinch drive means comprising a roller and elevator means to shift said roller from an inoperative position to an operative position, means to feed a web from a supply spool to said pinch drive means, means to move said first electrode in a path of movement to said transfer station and therethrough in timed relation with the movement of the roller to advance the web by friction contact between said first electrode and said roller whereby the image formed on said first electrode is transferred to the web when said roller is in its operative position; and, means to move said roller to its operative position in response to the movement of said first electrode to said transfer station.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including, in combination, means to expose the image on said first electrode to electromagnetic radiation for transferring the image to the web.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including, in combination, means to wet the web with an electrically insulating fluid prior to the transfer of an image thereto.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including, in combination, dancing bar means for monitoring tension exerted on the web between the supply spool and said pinch drive means and including means to energize drive means to feed a web from the supply spool when the tension is increased by the advancement of the web.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further including, in combination, monitor means for detecting severance of the web and decrease in the quantity of web wound on the spool in a predetermined amount and for inhibiting the pinch drive means in response to said detections.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pinch drive means includes a transfer roller electrode having means for coupling to a voltage source to establish an electric field between it and said first electrode.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including, in combination, a transport mechanism positioned adjacent said pinch drive means for engaging the web advanced thereby to assist the pinch drive means to advance the web. 